subject: Hints To Get Toddlers To Pay Attention [print this page] Most toddlers can hear just fine, but you wouldn't know it from the way they act! It's tough to get their attention, but it's important that they understand when it's time to listen to mommy or daddy.
Sometimes it's absolutely critical that they listen, so here are some ideas to use to help them focus on you.
Use a keyword or phrase - Use a consistent signal that tells your child it's time to listen. Make it generic and make sure everyone in the household uses the same word. Make it fun! Try 'listen up' or 'yoo-hoo' or even a sound, like 'Bing!' Pretty soon they will use it on you, so get ready to start listening right back!
Eye contact - When you need your child to listen, make eye contact. Get on their level, hold their chin and use your catch phrase. Soon they will automatically look at you when you use your catch phrase.
Keep it positive - Parents say No a lot. It's their job. But it's not much fun to listen to, and even young ones get tired of it. Be sure to practice listening with some Yes statements, positive reinforcement, and praise. No one wants to listen to 'No' all day long.
Get rid of distractions - Turn the TV off, turn the stereo off, and step away from the toys. This works great in your own home, but is harder when you're out and about. Find a quiet spot and get your child to physically step away from distractions.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh! - Yelling is not very nice, and not very effective. It ends up frustrating both the parent and the child. If you start out quiet and get quieter, a child's natural inquisitiveness will make them wonder what you've said. If you are quiet, they will respond more quietly. If you yell, they learn that is an appropriate way to get someone's attention.
Try some yoga! - Try this simple breathing exercise to get your child's attention and help them focus. Lift their hands over their head and take a deep breath, then lower them and exhale. Even very small children will master this very quickly, and enjoy it! The handholding gets their attention and the breathing calms them down, getting them ready to listen. Once you have eye contact, use your signal sound and tell them what you want to tell them.
Patience, patience, patience. It's so hard to teach, and so hard to learn, but all parents know that patience is the key to raising kids.
Listening is one of the most important skills parents teach their toddlers. The daily challenges can be exasperating, but they are a good time to practice for when it really is important.
by: Andy Guides Jr
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